Shepherding the Church: Effective Spiritual Leadership in a Changing Culture

by Joseph M. Stowell

Times are changing. The Truth never will. It's tough to be a pastor today. Christians who stand up for what God has said are disregarded and labeled right-wing extremists. Political correctness and tolerance of anything but godly character is the norm. So how do ministers lead God's people in this pagan culture? How do they shepherd the flock as the lights fade dimmer and the nights grow colder?

This book is not about programs. It not about developing the best techniques for numerical growth. Rather it is a discussion of the heart of the matter--the heart of the shepherd. In Shepherding the Church , Dr. Stowell takes a look at what it takes to be a truly effective leader from the inside out. He encourages today's leaders to focus on their own character, spiritual growth, and spiritual gifts. Examine some heart issues how do I prove to my congregation that I'm trustworthy? How do I lead by loving? How do I overcome insecurities? How can I transform lives with my preaching? How do I lead my flock by the way I live my life? How do I persevere?

Even in these tough times, effective leadership is possible. Learn from Dr. Stowell as he encourages today's leaders to keep their eyes on the non-negotiables of Christian ministry.

Genres: Leadership

336 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1994

About the author

Dr. Joseph M. Stowell serves as the 11th President of Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Comprised of approximately 2500 undergraduate and graduate students, Cornerstone is a Christ-centered university with a passion for global influence through the transforming power of the gospel. The University is committed to creating an environment where students thrive both spiritually and intellectually as they prepare themselves to influence our world as followers of Jesus.

An internationally recognized conference speaker, Joe has also written numerous books including "The Trouble with Jesus, Simply Jesus and You, The Upside of Down" and "Eternity." Joe also serves with RBC Ministries, partnering in media productions, writing, and outreach to pastors. His "Strength for the Journey" web ministry, www.getmorestrength.org, features daily devotionals, weekly messages and commentary, downloadable Bible study curriculum, and an audio library of his most requested messages. Joe serves on the Board of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Wheaton College, and has a distinguished career in higher education and church leadership.

From 1987-2005, he served as the president of Moody Bible Institute, and as teaching pastor at the 10,000-member Harvest Bible Chapel in suburban Chicago from 2005 to early 2008 prior to assuming the presidency at Cornerstone University. He is a graduate of Cedarville University and Dallas Theological Seminary and was honored with a doctor of divinity degree from The Master's College in 1987. Joe and his wife Martie are the parents of three adult children and ten grandchildren.

Reviews

[James Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please God, Not Men
In "Shepherding the Church," Stowell reminds us that we live in a self-focused culture. In order to be self-focused, our culture must somehow dethrone a God who rightfully calls men to live under His authority. According to Stowell, there are twelve ways in which the landscape of ministry has changed in this new era: (1) The Parson’s Prestige – In early America, ministers were looked upon as the prime authority in a community. Today, we no longer hold that status. (2) The Parishioner’s Perspective – Church members used to hold their pastors in high regard. Today, due to advances in technology, the best preachers are piped into our homes, cars, and personal media devices. Therefore, the congregation compares their pastor to superstars. (3) The Great Divide – Fifty years ago, the differences between grandparents, parents, and children were small. Today, there is a huge generational gap that is measured in musical styles and preferences; perceptions of the truth; perspectives on material goods, purity, commitment; and a host of other issues. (4) What’s in It for Me? – We now live in a consumer-oriented society where we no longer ask “What can I do to help?” but “What will this church do for me?” (5) Dumbing-Down – Our culture is becoming illiterate in terms of its skills of analysis, reason, logic and other basic cognitive capabilities. Biblical literacy is at an all-time low. (6) The Demise of Doctrine – Churches today deal with contemporary issues without grounding our treatment of them in the basic doctrinal realities that undergird them. Biblical principles are imperative because they are applications of the authoritative Word of God and grounded in fundamental doctrine. (7) Stepping Up the Pace – Busyness has made us more distracted and made it difficult to recruit workers. (8) Pluralistic (everyone has the right to his own truth) and b. Relativism – there is no truth. (9) I’ll Do It My Way - Relativism’s birth of the autonomy of the individual in regard to moral authority is spawning a society not unlike the Old Testament times when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). (10) Behind Closed Doors - People today believe that there are areas in their lives into which no one else has the right to intervene. This attitude jeopardizes fundamental issues like total surrender, submission, and lordship. (11) Correctly Incorrect – Political correctness often contradicts that which is Biblically correct. (12) The Maligned Minority – We live in a world that, for the most part, no longer wants to hear what we have to say. Despite the changing world, it is still possible for a pastor to stay authentically committed to Christ and His truth. Pastor, stay focused on pleasing God and don't worry about pleasing society.

[Christian Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The lessons in this book are practical and helpful as Stowell focuses on how a pastor can be of aid to the church. This isn’t your typical “How to” book on preaching, but goes much deeper than the pulpit. In it you’ll find calls for personal holiness, aids for how to shepherd the flock, pointers on constructing helpful applications in your sermons, and pieces of advice on finishing the race well not just as a pastor, but also as a follower of Jesus. I highly encourage those in ministry to read this book.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

Published in 1994 originally and republished in 1997, Joseph Stowell's "Shepherding the Church" unfortunately hasn't aged well. While I appreciate the heart of Stowell's approach to pastoring, there are a number of books I would recommend that I think do a better job of shaping the heart and practice of the pastor.

Some of those books that I would recommend would be Zach Eswine's, "The Imperfect Pastor," David Hansen's "The Art of Pastoring, and Richard Baxter's, "The Reformed Pastor."

For more reviews see www.thebeehive.live.

[Jennifer Passaretti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book for class. The first chapter was a little slow moving and tough to get through. The rest was an enjoyable, must-read for anyone considering being a leader in the church. Repetitive at times, but a valuable resource.

[Tung · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scripture uses the analogy of a shepherd and flock to describe the relationship between church leaders and a congregation. Underneath the umbrella of this analogy, Stowell examines the importance of godly leadership within a church, and describes the fundamental characteristics and qualities needed to successfully – from both a biblical and practical standpoint – lead a church. He breaks down these characteristics and qualities into three areas: priorities, personhood, and proclamation. In the first area, Stowell examines the perspectives that pastors often have of what their duties are, and then defines them. In personhood, he establishes the importance of living lives of integrity. In the third area, he provides guidance on effective ways to preach. Throughout the book, he balances Scriptural exhortation with real-life examples from his ministry and the ministry of others. Some of the chapters felt a little repetitive, but overall, it's a solid job description for godly leadership. Recommended for church leaders, and those wishing to one day be in positions of leadership.

[Michael Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I confess that I am a big Joe Stowell fan. I wish I would have read this book many years ago. He doesn't cover every area of pastoral ministry, but he gives many helpful insights into the life of a pastor. I try to read at least one "pastoral ministry" book each year and I'm glad I found this one for this year.

[Daniel Alvers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent book